Vaccination begins for people above the age of 45; drive conducted in two phases across Mumbai

The state government of Maharashtra, in January 2021, implemented a large-scale vaccination campaign with an aim to curb the spread of coronavirus. The initial phases were focused on vaccinating the healthcare professionals, frontline workers and senior citizens across the state. After implementing the same, the government, on Thursday, April 1, 2021, began the next phase of COVID-19 vaccination as directed by the Centre.

Keeping this in mind, citizens above the age of 45, can get vaccinated from April 1. The first day of this phase began swiftly at the country's financial capital, and it is being said that the same was done in two shifts in Mumbai. 

The first shift started from 7 am to 2 pm and the second from 2 pm to 9 pm. This is the timing that the civic body wants to adopt for the entire drive. 

With this, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) aims to cross the target of 40 lakh vaccinations by May 31, 2021. The municipality has started taking measures quickly and has asked people to get vaccinated for their safety. Information regarding the same was shared by Municipal Commissioner Suresh Kakani.

Coronavirus cases across the state of Maharashtra have risen significantly since mid-February, and Mumbai is one of the most affected cities in India. The challenge for the municipality has increased as the number of COVID-19 continues to grow, and to control the same, the municipality decided to expedite the vaccination drive, which is currently underway at 108 centres in Mumbai.

Since January 16, a total of 11 lakh people have been vaccinated, which include healthcare workers, frontline workers, people with comorbidities between the ages of 45 and 59, and senior citizens over 60 years of age. Vaccination is currently being carried out from 9 am to 6 pm. 

While 40,000 to 45,000 people are being vaccinated regularly, the municipality has decided to split the drive into two shifts with an aim to speed up the process. Meanwhile, vaccination drive is also been conducted at private hospitals, where many are performing the same across 24 hours a day.